Best of Arlington 2016

Health & Beauty

Best Pediatric Dentist

Christine M. Reardon

Christine Reardon’s credentials get families in the door, but it’s her knack for making her young patients giggle that has earned her extra kudos from local moms and dads. Oddly enough, cookies figure into one of her favorite tricks for helping the kiddo in the chair relax. “Do you like Oreos?” asks the dentist, who sees some 40 kids daily. “Do you have any in your teeth?” Word choices matter, too. “I don’t use the word ‘shot,’ ” she stresses. “Instead I’ll say, ‘I’m going to put some cold medicine next to your tooth.’” As a distraction, young patients are welcome to handle her mirror and other blunt dental tools. Taking the scary out of the exam makes it easier to reinforce the gentle reminder to brush at least twice a day. –Amy Rogers Nazarov